Open Universe is a new offshoot of the respected library music house, Sonoton. This new enterprise is being curated by Jon Tye, ex of ambient techno pioneers MLO*, one half of Seahawks, and currently recording and performing solo as Ocean Moon. The imprint’s inaugural release finds Tye adopting this moniker and collaborating with Bristol-based musician Bethany Ley, herself assuming the alias Silver Ley.

The sonic synergy showcased is so seamless that individual artistic contributions, who did what, remain unclear, but the vocals are definitely Ley’s. On creations such as “Lotus Garden”, or “Glowing Umber”, they bring songs and a sophisticated Dip In The Pool-esque pop. On others, her wordless, percussive chants and sighs, serve as soothing, serene lullabies. My guess is that Ley is also responsible for the zither strings that give the majority of the album a further, strong, Japanese, Zen garden atmosphere. 

Tye’s modular machines add low oscillations, tiny, glitched twists and trance-y, trippy sequences. Echoed ripples. Deep dives into whale song like waters. Employ the odd accordion or saxophone like drone. For the main part, his interjections are subtle and understated. “Strawberry Moon”, however, introduces pattering IDM percussion. “Gathering Moss” stakes out a territory triangulated by “traditional” new age, the novo exotica of artists such as Leaving Records’ Alia, and Tye’s roots in 90s rave chillout rooms. “Free My Shadow” is a busy, gamelan-like layered collision of marimba / kalimba-esque chimes. 

On “Rame Head” the pair coalesce for a haunting conclusion, where sparse, subterranean, nocturnal tolling combines with ethereal whispers to generate an epic sense of aching and longing. Tye’s synths buzzing orchestrally with increasing intensity. Building, recalling Ludwig Göransson’s score for Christopher Nolan’s “Odyssey”.

Ocean Moon & Silver Ley’s “Prismatic Fields” can be ordered directly from Open Universe.

*MLO’s debut album “Io” is coincidentally about to be released on vinyl for the first time by Forever Records.